Rural Farmers Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Agriculture for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Southeast Nigeria

This study was carried out to analyze indigenous knowledge practices employed by farmers for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Southeast Nigeria. A total of 360 farmers were randomly selected from 3 states of Southeast, Nigeria. Questionnaire and oral interview were used to elicit information from the respondents. Mean and Standard deviation were used to analyze data collected. Results showed that the famers were fully aware of climate change variability as indicated by a high mean score of the various prediction signs such as erratic rainfall pattern (M = 3.25), heavy flooding (M =2.65), long rainfall (M =3.36) among others. To adapt and mitigate climate change, the farmers used the following indigenous practices- crop diversification (M=3.46), crop rotation (M =2.61), multiple cropping (M =3.03), mulching (M =2.44) soil fertilization (M = 2.98), agro forestry (M=2.79), use of planting pits (M = 2.74), use of calabashes to store water (M= 3.41), use of ashes for pest control (M = 3.84), use of cannabis to control new castle diseases (M = 2.40) etc. The above practices are safe and have proved successful for centuries and we recommend that they should be integrated into the modern practices of agriculture.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, agriculture, crops, animals, water, management